NEDERLAND — With the return of autumn’s crisp air comes the opening of The Caribou Room’s doors. The start of the concert season at the Peak to Peak’s premier venue is heralded by Jammin’ the ’Bou Room, the benefit concert for the Nederland Food Pantry, Community Gardens, and Clothing Closet (Peak Abundance).

Poorfree and Gasoline Lollipops rocked the stage for the second annual benefit concert on Saturday, September 19, presented by Distinctly Mountains, the organization created by Dax Gleason and Deborah Brown.

Jammin' The 'Bou Room was created by Dax Gleason and Deborah Brown of Distinctly Mountains as a benefit concert and corresponding art auction that raises funds for the Nederland Food Pantry and Clothing Closet.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

In addition to the concert, Gleason and Brown also organized and managed the Feed the Art campaign, an art auction that took place across Boulder County through August and September, with local and rare art being displayed—and available to purchase—on the walls of Ned General, Very Nice Brewing Company, The Vault, Logan’s Expresso, and Abo’s Pizza in North Boulder. 

“The program is sustained by the generous donations of local and national artists who donate their time, energy, and work to the effort of feeding the people we serve here in Boulder County,” Gleason said. “I'd also like to personally thank the artists who donated their work for our promotional materials: Johnny Hogan and our very own Heather Taylor-Lande."

Abo’s Pizza, Boulder Frameworks, and The Caribou Room also contributed.

The event was a benefit for Peak Abundance, whose mission is to feed and clothe all who are in need. Peak Abundance was also celebrating its 40th anniversary the night of the concert. The efforts of Chris Current, Gloria Frasier, Joanne Chavez, Betty Hunt, and Ginny Platt back during Christmas of 1985 not only helped to feed 35 families, but started a much-needed service in their community that has fed countless others since. 

The Caribou Room became packed with community members who were excited for the doors to open to another exciting concert season.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

In 2025 alone, Peak Abundance saw 5,449 visits to their food pantry and distributed 126,000 pounds of food, with hundreds of pounds of that being grown in their very own community garden. These efforts are made possible by a dedicated group of staff and volunteers, as well as by the caring donors in the community who are always willing to lend a helping hand. 

Thanks go to everyone who contributed to this event, from the artists and musicians in the foreground, to Danny Shaffer, Peter Fiori, and The Caribou Room crew, and to all those with Distinctly Mountains and Peak Abundance who worked in the background.

And a special shout out to everyone who bought a ticket to jam and bid on some art, as all those proceeds went towards Peak Abundance’s mission. 

 Christopher Kelley is the Chair of the Nederland Food Pantry Board of Directors.